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Monday, August 8, 2011

Gay Pride Week Officially Underway In City

Gay pride in Saint John will be on display for the rest of the week. It officially got underway with the Rainbow Pride flag being raised outside City Hall by Common Councillor Chris Titus followed by the cutting of a cake.

Mack McKenzie of P-Flag Canada says the situation for gays and lesbians in Saint John has gotten better but those who are younger should thank gay seniors who didn't have it so good and there's still more progress to be achieved with transgender issues.

Despite the progess since the first Gay Pride parade in 2003, MacKenzie says there are still alot of young people who are afraid to come out and be who they truly are.

Rev. Don Uhryniew of Centenary Queen Square United Church tells CHSJ News his is the only one in the province that openly accepts gays as part of the congregation. He calls that appalling and says God is weeping at the sight of religion being used to justify homophobia.

Gay Pride week culminates with the annual parade next Saturday afternoon.